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Next Steps the Colony

EIN 84-2769256 · The Colony, TX

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair64 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Empowering people with practical solutions to overcoming obstacles on their path to recovery. We achieve this mission via our values system that offers support through relationships, is person-centered, engages individuals and families to strengthen our community, is holistic and based on respect, and produces hope. We have developed a network of resources to help restore or alleviate need in most situations.

Income
$217,416
Spending
$242,961
Spent on programs
99%
Reserves
2.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 53%
Employees
2
Volunteers
436
Highest pay
$75,371, administrator

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 7% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    99% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    7 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $120,651 spent. In 2025, Next Steps The Colony operated Shepherd's House as a transitional housing program serving vulnerable populations in The Colony and surrounding communities. The program adapted throughout the year to meet changing needs. From March through May, Shepherd's House served 4 women in recovery, providing a structured, supportive environment focused on sobriety, accountability, and personal growth. During this period, the program delivered 368 nights of safe housing. From June through December, the program transitioned to serving single mothers and their children, housing 4 women and 6 children. This phase provided an additional 2,140 nights of safe, stable housing, supporting families as they worked toward long-term independence. In total, Shepherd's House provided approximately 2,508 nights of housing in 2025. Residents were supported through life skills development, budgeting guidance, parenting support, and connections to community-based resources. The program emphasizes both stability and personal responsibility, with length of stay tailored to individual progress and engagement. Next Steps The Colony remains committed to adapting its housing model to best serve those in crisis while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
  2. $114,249 spent. Mission TC continued to serve as a core program of Next Steps The Colony in 2025, mobilizing volunteers to provide free home repairs and exterior maintenance for seniors, veterans, and low-income homeowners. Building on prior impact of 77 completed projects, 436 volunteers, and over 1,425 volunteer hours, Mission TC sustained strong community engagement and continued delivering essential services to those in need. Program highlights include: Completion of home repair and maintenance projects that improved safety and livability Engagement of volunteers from local churches, youth groups, businesses, and community members Ongoing collaboration with the City of The Colony to identify residents in need of assistance All services were provided at no cost, ensuring that financial hardship did not prevent homeowners from maintaining safe and dignified living conditions. Mission TC continues to reflect the organization's commitment to practical, community-driven solutions.
  3. $5,321 spent. In 2025, Next Steps The Colony hosted its annual Community Christmas Party, serving over 700 children from families experiencing financial hardship. This large-scale outreach initiative provides gifts, food, and a joyful holiday experience in a structured and respectful environment. The event was made possible through the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and community partners, ensuring that each child received age-appropriate gifts and each family experienced meaningful support during the holiday season. Key accomplishments include: Serving more than 700 children in a single-day outreach event Coordinating large-scale volunteer participation and community donations Providing a dignified and organized experience for families in need This program continues to meet growing demand while strengthening community connections and support systems.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 2019.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.